Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Over the last few years we have received donations of various wooden toys. Some were simple blocks and others were animals and cars and trains. As we placed these donations we were told that many of the recipient were concerned about the ability to keep the toys clean. However, for family situations or individuals these toys would be a wonderful gift. If any Relief Society leaders or Bishops are aware of any families who would enjoy these hand-made wooden toys, like the ones that many of us grew up with, please let us know of the need and we will be glad to share them.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
WARD HUMANITARIAN LEADERS
Ward Humanitarian Leaders -You have been called by your priesthood leader, a member of your Bishopric. What projects would he have you do? You are under his direction. He may have specific ideas or he may have you lead your ward in service projects, under his direction. Through inspiration there are many ways to serve the poor and needy. Do not underestimate the inspiration you are entitled to. You will find countless ways to serve those in need, both around the world and in your community. Make it meaningful. Remember, “it is only service when there is a need”.
You may use the Humanitarian Service Room (HSR) as a place to serve or for a resource. As a place to serve, we have many projects set up. Anyone can drop by during our hours: Tues, Wed, and Thurs from 10am until 4pm. They may serve for any length of time. If you have more than six in your group, we encourage you to call us at 702-649-8191 x134 to schedule an appointment so that we may have projects set up for you.
As a resource, the HSR has Wish Lists for Charitable Organizations (501c3) which serve our community. You may decide to make something or gather material donations for the needs on those lists. These items when finished may be brought to the HSR to be distributed or you may take them to the recipient organization yourselves.
The HSR also has a list of organizations in
Perhaps you will find a charitable organization on your own. If you are impressed to support their efforts and help meet their needs go ahead. If they have a project that you think would interest others, spread the word, let us know. Maybe the HSR can help.
If you see a need for a project yourself and need financial help in meeting that need, you may contact the supervising couple at the HSR to see if any funds are available. Through proper guidelines and approval, the HSR may be able to help you fill that need.
Other resources include:
The HSR Blog at lasvegashsr.blogspot.com. Here you will get the latest needs of the HSR in
www.lds.org/providentliving/humanitarian. Here you will find ideas and some of the patterns which are accepted at the HSR in
May you be blessed in your righteous efforts.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Recycle "Gently Used" Back-Packs
Friday, May 14, 2010
Las Vegas Volunteer Opportunities
Consistent with the doctrines of Preparedness and Self Reliance other areas of the world will now be called on to participate in their own preparedness by shifting the assembly and production of their emergency response commodities to more regional sources.
As a result our Humanitarian Service Rooms have likewise begun to be more locally focused, with volunteers working to address more local needs, but still prepared to participate in any worth while effort.
Our own Las Vegas area communities have many opportunities for service. Here are some additional local service groups that would benefit from and would appreciate your help as volunteers:
The
The
Phone#: 702-642-6000
Contact: Elise Leos or Ronnie Wilson
Individuals welcome, Groups also.
Types of work tasks for volunteers:
Assist at front desk or with art and music classes, read to clients, help assemble projects, host guests and escort clients to activities. Volunteers with knowledge of computers are also needed.
Blind Center/Chatty Cathy
Work: 702-642-6000
Description: Are you the type of person who can strike up a conversation with anyone? Do friends often comment on how nice you are to everyone? Take advantage of your friendly and outgoing personality to brighten the day of clients who are blind or visually impaired. Enjoy friendly conversation, help members participate in activities and listen to the stories the clients have to share. No experience is necessary just patience, kindness and a positive attitude. Families can participate
The
The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation works side by side with the medical community to provide social, emotional, educational, financial and psychological support services and programs to families of children with a life threatening or critical illness such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, hemophilia, renal disorders and other immunologic diseases.
6070 S. eastern Ave.,
Contact: Barbara Porter,
Phone #: 702-735-8434,
e-mail: barbara@nvccf.org
Individuals and Groups are welcome.
Min/Max number: All welcome
Types of work tasks for volunteers:
Volunteers are needed to assist with many of the events throughout the year.
Shade Tree
The Shade Tree meets two needs. First, homeless or abused women and children are offered immediate protection and safety. Next, we help our clients return to a life of stability, dignity, and self-reliance.
#1 West Owens (at
Phone #:702-385-0072-ext.105 ,
e-mail: mailto:vc@theshadetree.org?subject=Volunteer%20Inquiry%20from%20Website.
Individuals welcome, Groups also.
Min/Max number: All welcome
Types of work tasks for volunteers:
Tutor GED preparation, banking, math, reading and computer skills and there is also a need for bilingual volunteers as Client Advocates, in Parenting Classes and Life Skills Classes.
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House aims to meet guest families’ daily needs by offering a caring environment where sharing families help each other to relieve feelings of isolation and helplessness.
Services include transportation; clothing and personal items; counseling referrals, memorial or legal services; and communication resources with friends and family.
(off of Sahara, west of
Contact: Sarah Crichlow,
Phone #: 252-4663, ext 3,
Individuals are welcome. Groups up to 10
Types of work tasks for volunteers:
Volunteers help in preparing meals, light house keeping and help facilitate events.
The NPHY is a volunteer based program designed to help abused, runaway, homeless youth who may have been subjected to, or are at risk, of sexual exploitation achieve self-sufficiency, stronger independence and reduced isolation through on-going support.
Contact: Larry Lovelett,
Phone#: 702-383-1332.
e-mail: llovelett@nphy.org
Types of work tasks for volunteers:
Staff information desk, answer questions, refer clients to resource facilities, tutor GED preparation, banking, math, reading and computer skills and serve refreshments. Volunteers may also help canvass neighborhoods circulating NPHY flyers for events and services.
UMC is a county operated full-service, level 1, hospital which serves the emergency and pediatric needs of the
Contact: Suzanne Fain702-383-2388
e-mail: Suzanne.fain@umcsn.com
HopeLink
HopeLink's mission is to build a better community by preventing homelessness, keeping families intact, and promoting self-sufficiency through a number of programs.
566-0576
Basic Needs
Basic Needs volunteers meet with clients to provide food, clothing, and transportation assistance to low-income individuals and families. Basic Needs volunteers work one half day per week and are trained to complete basic client files. Volunteers will meet clients, one-on-one, in10 to 30 minutes appointments.
This is a great youth leadership opportunity, but is open to adults as well. Volunteers must have physical ability to lift and carry food bags, accurately fill out paperwork, and attend volunteer hours regularly. The time commitment for this is one half day per week, from either 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Breakfast Bookworm
HopeLink Breakfast Bookworm Program is looking for volunteers to help elementary school aged children and their families through their a before-school family literacy program.
Duties involve assisting with set up and distribution of food and books for children and families, helping families remain attentive during the program, and clean up after the program.
Volunteers work one Wednesday morning per month for two hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Volunteers must be willing to complete a background check and fingerprinting. Bookworm volunteers must also have the physical ability to lift and carry medium weight boxes (15-30 pounds) as needed.
Habitat for Humanity/Carry the Load
Description: Come help Habitat For Humanity organize its warehouse. Volunteers will help load and unload donations in the Habitat warehouse. Wear comfortable work clothes and close-toed shoes.
Note: Volunteers must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Check website for dates. Most dates are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4pm
Three Square – Kids Café
Contact Details:
Work: 702-644-3663
Volunteers will be asked to help package the lunch boxes that will go to various locations and reach many different children.
Nevada Cancer Institute - Exceptional Event Helpers
http://www.nevadacancerinstitute.org
Description: Would you like to help out at special events and health-related educational activities in the community? The Nevada Cancer Institute is looking for volunteers to help out throughout the year at health fairs and the annual Rock the Cure gala.
Volunteers will assist with greeting guests, registration, distributing nametags, coat check, event set-up, and other supporting tasks. Additionally, some special events, sponsored by third parties, may require the assistance of volunteers
3675 Pecos McLeod Ste 900,
Volunteers needed to visit with patients in their home, nursing home, assisted living home, or group home. Volunteers will talk/listen to the patient, relate to the patient, and keep the patient company. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to participate.
Helping Hands of
Work: 702-633-7264
dana.sarrata@hhovv.org
Helping Hands of Vegas Valley, Inc. works to develop, coordinate and deliver supportive and assistive services to seniors, thus assisting them to maintain their dignity and independence and improve daily living.
Would you like to help the community’s most in need seniors by sponsoring a food drive? Food drive coordinators can set up a drive at their place of worship, place of employment, school, club, etc. Coordinators can work together as a family (up to 8 family members) to sponsor a food drive. Only the sponsoring family can qualify to earn “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day” volunteer service verification.
Volunteer Vegas-Pantry Pals
Agency: Helping Hands of Vegas Valley
Special delivery! Come help deliver food pantry packages to homebound seniors in the valley. Volunteers should have a good driving record and be able to carry 5-10 pounds.
Drivers must be at least 21 years old. Families with children as young as 6 are welcome to participate in this opportunity!
Jewish Family Service Agency/Food Pantry Friend
www.jfsalv.org/
Description: Are you interested in helping individuals in need access food and groceries? The Jewish Family Service Agency is looking for volunteers to help out at their food pantry to stock shelves and prepare bags of food for clients.
Adults, teenagers, and families are welcome to volunteer for this opportunity. Volunteers should be able to lift 10 pounds and attend the agency's HIPAA training on patient confidentiality. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 pm
Description: Are you interested in helping individuals in need access food and groceries? The Jewish Family Service Agency is looking for volunteers to help out at their food pantry to stock shelves and prepare bags of food for clients.
Adults, teenagers, and families are welcome to volunteer for this opportunity. Volunteers should be able to lift 10 pounds and attend the agency's HIPAA training on patient confidentiality. This opportunity is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 12 pm
Web site: http://aturningpoint.wordpress.com
Create a caring and productive community for youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food system. We will produce fresh food for the residents, increase the health of families, assist those overweight and obese, and inspire others to create change. Groups welcome.
Opportunity Village/Social Butterfly
Do you enjoy helping people while having fun? Would you like to help mentor or socialize with others while improving someone’s life? Work with staff and clients in various programs to improve socialization and mentor clients during various recreational activities. No prior training is required just patience and a desire to work with those with disabilities. Activities vary by day and are available at three locations in
Soup and a Smile
Agency: Las Vegas Catholic Worker
Web site: http://www.lvcw.org
Description: Make a real difference in a hungry or homeless person's life by serving soup, tea, bread, and a friendly smile at the Las Vegas Catholic Worker's morning soup line, which serves over 100 people four mornings a week.
No prior skills are necessary - just a friendly, positive attitude toward the soup line customers. Families with children of any age are welcome as well as adults 18 and over. Volunteers of all walks of life and faiths are welcome
American Red Cross - So. Nevada Chap. Super Stocker
Help is needed to pull and fill orders of course materials and equipment for Red Cross hosted training and events. Volunteers will also inspect & approve returning materials & supplies and notify supervisors of items needing to be restocked. Some basic computer/admin skills are a plus. Volunteers are required to complete a background check, driving record check and have a valid license. Good organization, verbal and written communication skills a plus.
Hospitals
Individuals may donate their time by submitting an application to any number of hospitals. They have volunteer programs, adult and youth 15 to 17 yrs old. You may call their volunteer coordinators at:
Sienna Campus 702-616-5543
San Martin Campus 702-492-8695
Southern Hills 702-880-2105
Valley Hospital 702-388-4560
www.volunteercentersn.org is also a great resource to look for ways to volunteer.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Opposing Entropy
“Everything was organized yesterday but now it’s complete chaos!” Have you ever felt that way? Blame it on the second law of thermo-dynamics, or entropy. Isn’t it great when we can blame science?!
There is a lot more to it but the basic concept of entropy is that without applying energy things tend to go from a state of order to a state of disorder. Examples are everywhere: my desk, leftovers in the fridge, morality in society, etc.
Jacob understood this principle when he said that without some offsetting power, “This flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth” (2 Ne 9:6). The process of entropy is evident in nearly every area of our lives.
Without prayerful, careful, intentional effort, entropy can take over. Our (efforts) may stop resembling the (dedication) that (we feel). (We must renew our focus.) Our projects (and commitments) may be more for convenience rather than to fill real needs. Change them. Prayer or scripture study may (just) become something on a checklist. Make it sincere.
We are touched by the zeal, spirit and energy seen in the Humanitarian Service Rooms. Your faith, hands and minds are perfect opponents for entropy. Rather than “blame science”, as I said at first, may we join forces with the Creator, rather than the destroyer. And trust that His guidance and our efforts will work miracles.
Redacted from "Opposing Entropy" by Christy Boyer, HSR Coordinator
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Church Responding to Chile Earthquake
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile are actively assisting in relief efforts and determining how the Church can be of most assistance in the wake of one of the most powerful earthquakes of the last century. See the full story at wwwlds.org/newsroom.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Church Sending Team of Doctors to Assist in Haiti
SALT LAKE CITY 14 January 2010 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is sending a team of doctors and medical supplies to Haiti immediately to help care for those injured by the devastating earthquake. The doctors will set up a temporary medical center in a Church meetinghouse in Port-au-Prince . The meetinghouse is largely undamaged by the quake.
“We’re finding one of the greatest needs is medical care. Entire hospitals have been destroyed. Medical supplies are scarce. So this temporary medical center will be a tremendous asset,” said Elder Francisco J. Viñas, the area president who oversees the Church in
The doctors are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have volunteered their time and skills to assist people in
Other urgent needs following the devastating earthquake continue to be water, medical care, shelter and food. The Church is responding to those needs by sending relief supplies in addition to the medical personnel. Some shipments have already arrived, others are in process, and more are being planned.
Two planes, each loaded with 80,000 pounds of supplies donated by the Church, are expected to leave for
Some of the Church’s meetinghouses in
“Normal daily activity has come to a stop in
The Church continues to monitor the humanitarian situation on an ongoing basis to determine how to best help. Donations for relief efforts can be made athttp://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.
Church Sends Additional Aid to Haiti Earthquake Victims
Two planes, one departing from Denver as early as Thursday and another leaving from Miami later this week, will each include over 80,000 pounds of food and emergency resources such as tents, tarps, water filtration bottles and medical supplies donated by the Church. Transportation is being provided by Airline Ambassadors and Food for the Poor will aid with distribution in Haiti.
“We are constantly assessing needs to determine how our resources can directly help the people of Haiti,” said Nate Leishman, manager of the Church’s humanitarian emergency response efforts. “We are fully committed to this ongoing process and doing our best to help wherever we can.”
These new shipments are in addition to emergency supplies, including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns, being sent by truck from the Dominican Republic, as announced early Wednesday by the Church.
“We express our sympathy and prayers on behalf of the citizens of Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake,” said Kim Farah, Church spokesperson.
All Latter-day Saint missionaries serving in the country are safe, and Church leaders continue efforts to account for Church members in the area.
Donations for relief efforts can be made at http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse.